Has your win sunk in yet?
It's getting there. For Trinidad, where I'm from, this has been the equivalent of the World Cup. One of the first congratulatory e-mails I got was from the prime minister saying what it means not just for the country, but for the entire Caribbean region.
Last year, Gretchen Jones was blasted for winning over fan favorite Mondo. What reactions have you seen?
Ninety-five percent of the comments out there are positive, with that small dissent of, "Well, Viktor [Luna] was a great tailor," or that I didn't show enough range in my collection. And I one hundred percent agree with all that. But the reality is, I can't sew that range yet. It's not that I can't design it, but I wasn't going to try to sew things I knew I couldn't pull off on my own. So I went with my strengths.
You didn't have any finished garments to show Tim Gunn during your home visit. What on earth were you doing during those five weeks?
I landed in Trinidad and was completely overwhelmed. Suddenly, the entire country knew I was on Project Runway, and there was so much anticipation. We're a country of only a million people, so it sat very heavily on my shoulders that everyone expected me to do well. It really got to me.
In September, Anya Ayoung-Chee sent her island-chic collection down the catwalk to garner a from-behind win. Here, the season nine champ talks about procrastination, sewing skills, and the legend of "Reggae Jesus."
So you suffered the designer's equivalent of writer's block?
Absolutely! I'd blast music trying to inspire myself; I'd drape fabric on the form and rip it off; I'd go up to the roof to have a beer or wine, and then back down again. Nothing was working.
Was Tim's visit a reality check?
Yes. He wisely told me to lock myself in a room, ditch the sketches, and start making clothes. In the end, I came to New York with 10 pieces — I didn't love them, but at least I had them.
Were you the kid who started her book report an hour before it was due?
[laughs] Oh, yes. I come from a last-minute culture, but I'm not going to pat myself on the back for that. It became such a workroom joke — when people needed to redo a dress last-minute, they'd say, "I have to pull an Anya."
Halfway through the season finale, were you convinced that you had lost the competition?
At that point, I ranked myself in last place. I felt so dejected because it wasn't my best work. There was no question Viktor's collection was strong; I really thought he would win.
Do you think that you would have won without that extra $500 at Mood?
No. I made four brand-new looks in a day — 40 percent of the collection.
A lot of people don't believe that you learned to sew just months earlier.
That's a roundabout compliment because that means I did it well. But I really did start sewing lessons in the four months leading up to the show.

The 8th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival return to the Quays of the Old Port

Last year, the Montreal International Reggae festival (MIRF) showcased Mr. Vegas, Cham and Lady Saw as headliners. This year, the MIRF team promises the most recognizable artistes in the dancehall industry with headliners such as popular dancehall entertainer: Mavado, the legendary Beres Hammond and international artiste of the year: Gyptian, each taking the stage at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal during the two-day festival on August 20th and 21st, 2011 for the 8th staging of the event of what has become a tradition for reggae music supporters around the world.

This year’s festival will also see top artistes appearing on the MIRF stage for the first time. Nominated for Artiste of the decade last year at the EME Awards, Wayne Wonder will take center stage with the Harmony House Musicians along with Sharon Tucker who continues to mesmerize her audiences with her sweet melodic voice, her humbling personality and her experience as a true artist.

The line-up has further been diversified by the inclusion of the one of the longest running and most diverse bands Jamaica has ever produced: Third World. Founded in 1973, this band is known for their smashing hits, sold-out tours worldwide and inspirational messages.

The 10 time Grammy nominated band is expected to give a stellar performance at this year’s festival. The Reggae Ambassadors’ continued popularity can be attributed to their timeless music as they continue to connect with their fans across the globe.

The diversified line-up includes a mix of established, current and up-and-coming acts. The roster includes Jah Cutta and the Determination Band, Ijah, Iley Dread, Visionary, Dan Fiyah Beats and more.

 

• If you sign up to play with Exotic before June 30th you will be automatically registered to play T-shirt mas. T-shirt mas is otherwise $60 EC$.  
• Whole piece and tankini costumes are $25 EC$ extra, you can request these in all the costume sections. 
• All male costumes are $500 EC$.
• To register visit the mass camp located at Burton's Laundry on Independence Drive in Ottos, next to Bike Plus,  email exotiquemas2011@groups.facebook.com or call 268-785-7263

 Pretty Scandalous (Female) - $750 EC$

Pretty Glamorous (Female) - $650 EC$

 

Pretty Audacious (Female) - $600 EC$

Pretty Outrageous (Female) - $800 EC$

via

Intrepid Venus